Hawaiian Electric to shut off power during high wind days to avoid risk of wildfires

Hawaiian Electric is launching a new program where it may preemptively shut off power for approximately 19,300 customers in high-wind areas on the Big Island that are at risk of wildfire during dry conditions.

The Public Safety Power Shutoff Program, or PSPS, will start July 1. However, Hawaiian Electric does not intend to initiate PSPS on that day.

This was the date set by the company to have its internal systems, protocols and communication plans ready in the event of extreme weather conditions. During the summer, Hawaiian Electric will continue coordinating and sharing its plans with public agencies, first responders, community organizations, and customers.

This program will impact approximately 19,300 customers on the Big Island located between Kohala and Waikōloa in North Hawai‘i, between Kalaoa and Hōlualoa in West Hawai‘i and between Mauna Kea Access Road and Waiki‘i Ranch.

According to the power company, these areas have a combination of risk factors for wildfires, including exposure to strong winds, dry conditions, vegetation prone to wildfires, and historically higher rates of wildfires.

“This is our last line of defense to keep communities safe from the threat of wildfires. We understand shutting off the power can create hardships, so this is not something we take lightly. We urge customers to prepare for a PSPS the same way they would prepare for a hurricane or other hazard that can result in extended power outages,” said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president and chief operations officer.

Customers are urged to prepare for emergencies and the possibility of extended power outages during high winds and dry conditions.

A PSPS will only be activated in an area if weather data, including statements from the National Weather Service, indicate conditions for heightened wildfire risk. These conditions may include strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation. Combined, these factors can result in downed trees or flying debris contacting power lines and damaging electrical infrastructure, which can create the risk of wildfires.

Before activating a PSPS, Hawaiian Electric will notify the public and coordinate with government officials, first responders and emergency response agencies. Hawaiian Electric will provide public notifications through news releases, social media, online outage maps and updates to its website. If weather conditions change suddenly, shutoff may occur with little or no notice.

During a PSPS activation, power will remain shut off so long as hazardous weather conditions persist. When the weather improves, power lines must be inspected and any damage must be repaired before service can be restored. This may involve ground crews and aerial inspections using helicopters and drones. This process may result in extended outages lasting several hours, possibly even days depending on the location and extent of any damage.

Even to reduce wildfire risks, shutting off power has broad impacts across the community. Hawaiian Electric has coordinated with stakeholders from across government and the private sector, including emergency response agencies, government officials, essential service providers and businesses, to ensure public awareness and safety during a PSPS activation.

Customers on life support with special medical needs are urged to prepare now for the possibility of extended power outages. Hawaiian Electric asks those customers to provide their contact information to receive future notifications before a PSPS by submitting an online Medical Needs Communications Form.

Looking ahead, Hawaiian Electric plans to continue to enhance and refine its PSPS program to make it more targeted and effective. These plans currently include implementing additional enhanced technology, weather forecasting targeting high-risk areas, customer education, plans for backup for critical customers, and community hubs and resources.

For more information and maps, call Hawaiian Electric’s PSPS hotline at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or go to hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS.